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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the ideal start in a competition they aim to conquer.

Despite their dominance of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her opening goal.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season yet they've earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.